Multiple power wrench



ten. 9, 1937. w. HALL MULTIPLE POWER WRENCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June26 y w g H ZWJW- J, M fl r2 0 /M5 @m v 2 Feb. 9, 1937. w. HALL MULTIPLEPOWER WRENCH Filed June 26, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 9, 1937PATENT OFFICE MULTIPLE POWER WRENCH Walter Hall, Los Angeles, Calif'assignor of onehalfto Calif.

J. Michael O'Meara, Los Angeles,

Application June 26, 1935, Serial No. 28,529

18 Claims.

This invention relates to a power tool and relates more particularly toa multiple power wrench for turning or tightening securing members suchas nuts, bolts, studs, screws, etc. A generalobject of the presentinvention is to provide a simple practical-power wrench that is operableto simultaneously and properly tighten a plurall ity of securing memberssuch as nuts, bolts,studs, screws and the like, to connect machineparts,

etc.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrenchthat is operable to turn a plurality of nuts, bolts or like securingmembers until they are hand tight or tighter and then automatically turnthe securing members to a desired or selected final degree of tightness.The tool of the present invention in simultaneously turning down thesecuring members to hand tightness or tighter, to take the slack out ofthe 20 parts before turning the members to their final tightor setpositions, prevents tilting, straining, distorting and binding of themachine parts being connected and assures the proper connecting oftheparts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a-multiple power wrenchthat is operable to turn down or tighten a plurality of nuts, bolts,studs or other securing members to a uniform selected or..predetermineddegree of tightness and no tighter,so that there is no danger ofstripping the threads or straining or distorting'the connected parts orcausing uneven or improper connecting of the parts. l I l ,Anotherobject of this inventionis to provide a multiple power wrench of thecharacter mentioned that may embody a sufficient number of chucks orsockets for engaging of the nuts, studs, bolts, or the like, in a seriesof such securing members for connecting machine parts or the like, sothat it isoperable to rapidly and finally connect the machine partsorassembly in one simple operation. a

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrenchof the character men- 45 multaneouslytum the nuts, bolts, studs or othersecuring members to hand tightness or slightly tighter to take up theslack and then successively partially turn the diametrically oppositesecuring members of the series until all of the several securing membersare tightened to a desired degree thus assuring the equal or uniformtightening of the securing members and preventing tilting and distortingof the parts being connected.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrenchof the character mentioned that embodies a novel 'andparticularlyeffective transmission or drive for simultaneously rotating the socketcarrying spindles to turn the securing members to hand tightness ortighter that is automatically responsive to the resistance 5 offered bythe separate or individual securing members to selectively ceaserotating the spindles as the securing members are turned down to handtightness or tighter.

Another object 01' the invention is a multiple power wrench ofthecharactermentioned that embodies a novel and particularly-eta fectiveclutched drive or transmission for successively turning spaced ordiametrically opposite socket carrying spindles untilthe nuts, bolts orsecuring members eng ed by the sockets have been tightened'to thedesired degree of tightness," which drive ortransmis'sion is're'sponsiveto the, resistance offered to turning by the individual or separatesecuring members to' selectively cease the turning of the spindles asthe securing members are tightened to the desired final degree oftightness. v

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrenchof the character mentioned in which the drive or transmissionfor turningthe spindles to turn down the securing members to their final degreeoftightness includes a novel clutch that is adjustable to provide for thefinal tightening of the securing members to any selected or desireddegree of-tightness; Another object of this invention isto provide amultiple power wrench that includes means for automatically locating orcentering the wrench when it is brought'against the work or-parts be- 5ing connected whereby the chucks or sockets may be quickly and properlyengaged with the nuts, bolts or other securing members on the parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide a power tool of thecharacter mentioned in which 40 the spindles are simultaneouslyadjustable by a simple adjusting means to engage their chucks or socketswith securing members having diflerent relative spacings and withmembers-that are diilicultv of engagement or access.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power wrench of thecharacter mentioned in which the clutches automatically-release when thesecuring members have been set up or turned down to the desireddegree'of tightness and upon releasing give audibleindications to theoperator; so that he may cut ed the power and remove the [wrench fromthe work for further use.

An'otherobject of this invention-is to provide a multiple power wrenchof the charactermento provide 10 I sell-contained portable unit.

trated in'thedrawinds the suspension means ina nect the plate}. to theshell. Nuts a may be The body I. houses the ransmission or that is easyand convenient-to operate and whose use and operation do not require theenercise of great care or skill.

A further object of this invention is to provide a multiple power wrenchoi thecharacter mentioned that is in the form oi a small The variousobiectsand features 01 my invention will be fully understood from theiollowinl' detailed description of typical forms and applications of myinvention throushout which dereterence is made to the 4-4 on Fig.2.? rm.5 is a central longitudinal;- detailed sectional view ofanother'embodiment' of theinvention." Fig. 6 is a transverse detailedsectional-view taken substantially as indicated by line H on Fig.5. Fig.'7 is a ifragmentary transv verse detailedjsectional view taken asindicated by line 1-1 on Pic. 5 "andl ig. ,iijis enlarsed transversedetailed sectional view as indicated by line Hon-Pia. '5.

The form or embodiment 'i the present inven tionfillustratedin Figs. .1to 4; inclusive, of the,

drawiiiss. includes generally a II a plurality of rotatable socketcarrying spindles II project-- in: from the body ll. 'means i2 iorcenterlns or locating the tool onthe work or parts beingcon nected, andan automatically clutched compound drive ll forrotatin: the spindles ll.1'

I) and forms a carrier for thespindlesfli. The body is may comprise twoplates,"aniinner plate It and an. outer plate". A ring or shell ll isarranged between the outer or portionsoi theplates I4 and yll to theplates andform theouter walloi the'body. Bolts ll pass through openinssin the spaced end plates ll and II and nuts are threaded on the bolts tomaintain theplates and thelshell I I, in the assembled relationship. Thebody constructed as just described has a cylindrical interior. oropenll. Means may beprovided {or suspending the body II and associatedparts iroin an over head support. Inthe particularjstructure'illu'scludes'a hanger .platejl bowedor curved'to con- .iormto theupper'oi thebody shell ll. Screws 2| extend through slots' fl'in theplate IIand in theshell "to adjustably con-' threaded on the screwsiL- -Acentral'peri'orated lug or eye 24 projects 'i-rom the plate 2| toreceive the end part or an extensible sprinz a by a oableor line 21.The'lin'el'l maybe connected to a counter-balance or other meansnotshown. 7 sothatthewrenchmaybeswungorshirtedabout Suitable curved handles2. pr ect from the oppositesideportions oi the body; shell I! toiacilitate th'e manipulation oi the wrench.

"The spindles II are providedtocarrychucks or sockets ll iol-engagingthe nuts, bolts, screws or other securing partsto be tightened or turneddown by the wrench. The spindles H extend compact drive I or positioningmam-ism axle throush openings Ilin'the innerbody plate'll and projectaxially or lonsitudinally from the; a

plate relative to the central lonsitudinal axis of the body I... Thespindles ll extend throush the body cavity or-openilis II and their endportions are rotatably carriedin openinss 8! in the outer platell."'The-plates and "are preferably thickened orprovided-withbossesattheiropem.

inss; 8i and-II so that tho-spindles ll haveex tensivebearins on the Hare. preferably; spaced Idistanoeinwardly i'romthcperipheryoithebody llasillustratedin l'isal and! 0! the draw.

The invention contemplates-the oi one or'inorespindles as may bei'equirediorthe particular purpose ior whichthewrenchisin-r I innerplate ll of body. it thattheremaybeiewerormore II II required. Thespindles il may b mused-mun universaljoints U intermediateitheir endstoiacilitate the more ready-mlsm tofthe' II with the mentors or Joints Ufso'that the outer on the, spindles-do not tended. Inthejtoolillustrated in 1 thereIsre-sik spindleslix-projectinstromspindles Ii as equally a o! the wrenchso-lthat' their se m engagea'n'annular nuts or- 30 Q the like," beins apparent-mtmespscinecitnespindles I I may be varied to suit com: tions of operation; "lhe'le'nsthoi thespindlnll or'the exte'nto! theproieotionot tbespindlesfll from thebody plate thepai'ticular use or application of the In ".1 0!

the drawings the wrenohisishownin position to tighten down thenuts-itoithe hub-boit'sor' drum bolts II o! awheelW thes'pindiesil aresuillciently lonsgto properly their sockets ,ilwiththenutsI-Otwhen' thelocatins.

Has willbe hereinafter I I The chucks or sockets "are outer ends of thespindles VII in "concentric or axialrelation In m nimise i min m.

invention the chucks orsochet's. sfareshiitable axially on the that mayindividually coniorm to orproperly some with nuts} whichina'ybefdiilerent work which m be a dnun: 'orwheehw the wrench istudinal openins's 8| in the chucks or It or other such means ion thesocketsoperate in grooves)" in thespindiestllw to connect sockets withthe =ior rotation therewith. The screws 80 may Jl: to. limitthelonl'itudinai movement ofi the sockets. on the spindles. "-ipfihss'llare provided in the openings". and under-compression theends spindies ill and Y the bottoms oi theopeninss tc-yieidinslr am the sockets).outwardlyon the spindles. some onal openings or sockets vll are"provided in the outer ends or the vchucks or sockets]! to receive thenuts. The socketsll mayjhave sllarge number or flat faces of: "wallsftohave non rotatable encasement with the nuts 88 withiaminimumotmanipulati m or between-the sockets ill and the nuts is to that when thetool .is tdbeeinD Y d-tO flshten screws the spindles ii are providedwith screw driver bits.

The means II for or locatinc 'the I II I a; Y a smitabiy iv W m ts powerwrench is such that the wrench may be brought against the work or partsto be. connected and quickly positioned where the sockets- 35 ofthe'several spindles ll properly receiveor engage with the nuts 55. Thecentering or locating means I2 includes an axial or concentric tube 4|at the inner side of the ,body l5. 1 In the simple form of the inventionshown in the drawings the tube 4i isattached directly to the plate l4 asby the inventionshown in the drawings the cup 42 is adapted to receive ahub capor hub part 45 which is concentric with respect to the circularor annular series of nuts 55. A spring 44 is arranged in the tube 4|between the closed inner end of the cup 42 and the body plate l4. Thespring 44' is a spiralled orhelical spring and its inner convolution hasah end wrapped about or otherwisesecured to a bolt or rivet 45 on thebody plate l4. The end part of. the outer convolution of the spring 44is secured to the cup 42 by a screw 45. The spring 44 is'adapted toyield to permit limited movement between the wrench and the work ormachine assembly being worked upon when the wrench is applied to theassembly and during operation oi the wrench. It is believed that it willbe apparent how the wrench may bemoved to a position where the cup 42 ispassed over the hub 'part 45 to position the wrench where it isconcentric with the seriesof nuts 55 and thus greatly facilitate theproper engagement of the chucks'or sockets '55 with the nuts 55. Thesockets 55 on two diametrically opposite spindles Il may project aheadof the other sockets 55 so that one or both of these leading sockets maybe first engaged with the nuts 55 and thus align the other sockets withthe other nuts and greatly facilitate the engagement of the severalsockets 35' with the nuts.

The drive i5 is housed in the body l5and forms a clutched transmissionbetween a suitable power drive D and the several'spindles H. The primemover or power means may be directlyponnected with the wrench in whichcase it' may directly drive or operate the drive l5. In thevparticuiarform of the invention being described the power drive D which enters theouter side of the body at its center may be considered as extending froma power means at a suitable remote point.

A 'shaft 41 is rotatable in central or axial open-' ings 45 in the bodyend plates l4 and I5. The plates I4 and I5 are preferably. enlargedatthe openings .45 to provide ample support or bearing for the shaft 41-.The'particular drive D fllustrated comprises a flexible shaft orflexible drive which may be rotated by any suitable power means andwhich is connected with the central shaft 41 of the wrench.

The compound clutched transmission or drive l3 '0! the present inventionincludes gears or pinions 55 on the spindles ii and a driving element Efor turning the pinions 55. A pinion- 55 is provided on each spindle Hin the body opening i5. Feathers or keys 5i connect the pinions 55 andthe spindles ii against relative rotation.

The several pinions 55 are preferably of' equal effective diameter. Thedriving element E is provided on the central shaft 41 and rotates withthe shaft in the body opening l5. The element E includes a plate orblock 52 connected to the shaft to turntherewith. In the simple form ofthe invention disclosed the block 52 is flxed to the shaft 41 by a pin55. The block 52 projects radially from the shaft 41 and has twostubshafts or trunnions 54. The trunnions 54 are equally spaced from theshaft 41 and their axes are parallel with the axis of the, shaft.Theelement E includes pinions or gears 55 rotatably' supported ,on thetrunnions 54. The gears 55 areof equal diameter 'andtheir teeth areadapted to mesh with the teeth of the pinions 55 as the element rotates.The teeth of the gears 55 may be sharp, asillustrated, or the teeth ofthe pin-' ions 55 may be sharp to insure the proper engagement of theteeth of the gears and pinions.

It will be seen that during rotation of the'ele-' ment E the gears 55successively come into meshing cooperation with diametrically oppositepinions 55. The gears 55 are preferably removable so that one of thegears may be removed and the number of spindles ii reduced, say'to oneortwo spindles, adapting the wrench to be operated or driven by a smallmotor. I

The drive I! includes an adjustable automatic clutch means normallypreventing rotation of the gears 55 about theirindividualaxes so thatengagement of their teeth with the teeth of the pinions 55 causessucessive advancement or partial rotation of the pinions 55 which clutchmeans is yieldable or releasable to permit independenti'otation of thegears 55 when the resistance to turning of a pinion 55 offered by atightened down nut 53 exceeds a deflnite' limit. The automaticadjustable clutch means includes two leaf springs or flexible members 55carried by the driving element E. These members 55 may each comprise oneor more laminae or spring sections. Studs 51 project from opposite sidesof the block 52 and extend through openings in the flexible members 55to support the members on the block. Nuts 58 are threaded on the studs51 and engage the flexible members 55to hold the members in theiroperative positions and to regulate the action of the members as will behereinafter described.

the flexible members 55 to-flt between or cooper-" ate with the teeth ofthe gears 55. There may be two teeth 5.5 on each flexible member 55, one

- for cooperating with the teeth of one gear 55 and the other forcooperating with the teeth of the other gear 55. The engagement of theclutch teeth 551 with the teeth of the gears 55 normally preventsindependent rotation of' the gears-55 about their axes so that meshingof the gears 55 with the pinions 55 during rotation qf the driveelementE causes successive partial turnng of the pinions 55 in adirection to tighten the nuts 55. g

When a nut 35 is tightened down to a desired degree of tightness itoflers resistance to rotation f of the pinion 55 with which it isassociated, by

its socket 55 and spindle H. and upon a gear 55 moving into" mesh withthis pinion 55 the meshing of the teeth of the gear and pinion thus heldagainst rotation results in atorque, being placed on thegear 55- which.overcomes the resiliency of the flexible membersv 55 so that the membersare flexed outwardly allowing the teeth of the gear 55 toratchet pastthe teeth 55. Thus the gear 55 passes the said pinion55 withoutadvancing or turning the'pinion and. therefore,

without further tightening of the tightened down nut 55. The sound ornoise produced by the ratcheting of the gear 55 past the teeth 55audibly indicates to thevoperator that. anut ll has been tightened downto'the' desired degree. From the above it will be seen that theresistance to independent rotation of the gears aboutfth'eir axeselleted by the flexible members i determines the degree of tightness to,whichithenuts 88 are tightened.

The invention provides tor] the ready regulation of the resilientresistance "oilered by the flexible members it to the independentrotation otthe gears i abouttheir'axea [I are provided in one or bothoftheplate's ill and II renderingthe nuts it and us accessible io'r:

; turning or' threading. Itwill be apparent how longitudinal adjustmentof thenuts il 'on the studs I'l reg'ulates 'thesetting oi. the membersso and the resistance to independent turning oi the gears 55 offered bythe members ll.

or adjustingthe clutch means to provide for the tightening of the nuts38' to selected degree of tightness. V v I It is a feature of,theinvention that the drive II includes art-operative interconnectionor drive 5 between the several spindles I! to [assure the rapidtightening of the nuts 33 to' tightness or tighterduring the initialphase 0! the oper-v ation'of, the wrench. This interconnection *or' tdrive ofthe compound drive It includes spools or pulleys 02 on thespindles II, In the simple construction illustrated in the drawingstheupulleys't c: are parts orend extensions 01 the'pinions ss. Thepulleys 6,2 areoithe same eii'ective diameter. A continuous belt ""1engages aroundor 35 over the severalpulleysfl. The belt 88 may beretainedon the pulleys "by thefinner sideso! the pinions 'SI and theinner suriace oi the plate ll. The belt .63 trained over the pulleys l2'iormsa drive between the several pinions II and 4 when the gears engageand turnjtwo diametri- .cally opposite pinions ill during the initialstages of operationtof the wrenchthe belt it drives or; .turns theseveral other spindles ll so that the nuts 33 are each given a partialtightening rota 5 tion each time the gears" engage a pair of pinions 50.When the nuts I! have been turned tohand tightness or tighter the nutsfllofler such resistance to rotatio'n of the spindles II that the belt63 slips on thepulleys 62 withouttrans- 5 mitting rotation to thespindles Ii.

I The invention provides means i'or regulating the tautness of the. belt63. A bolt 64 extends through radial slots 85 in thebodv'plates' l4 andI5 and carries a' rotatable roller it i'or engaging 5 the belt 63. Theroller may engage or bear on either the outer side or the inner side ofthe belt". A setting or tightening nut 01 is threaded on one endof thebolt. .By shifting the bolt 6! in the slots 85 the roller 68 may be madeto bear against the belt 61 with greater or less pressure and thusmovement of the bolt adjust the tautness oi the belt 03 anddetermin'esthe degree of tightness to which the nuts II are I turned bythe transmission oi jiorce through the belt 6:.

The operationot the wrench shown in Figs. 1

to 4 is as follows: The nuts 33 are flrst started on the studs or bolts34 by hand :or inf'any other.

desired manner. The power: wrench is then 70 brought to a position wherethe cup .42 receives or engages over the hub'part N I The engagement ofthe cup 42 with the hub part positionsor locates the wrench where itssockets may engage the nuts 33. -When the sockets 3| have been properlyengaged with the nuts 38 the power Accord-' ingly,-t he nuts 58 comprisemeans for regulating means may be started or "the iiexible drive D Iconnected or clutched with the source- 01',

The operator oithe wrench'may sna -8 or hold one or: both of the handlesII I during the tion of the wrench to prevent disengagementuoir w.

the sockets-3| 'i'romtheinut sjl; m sip yield topermitthe' engagementbirths with nuts 33 that may be at" varyinsfrom ;.t m or the s-w. Dd-the8mi s: urge thesockets so t e m e cient pressure to theprope'rcooperation oi-thes'ocketsnwith the'nuts I- i i Rotation or the driveDofcoursecausesrotation of the driving element E: I Asthe'element E comeinto meshing engagem'ent with dials-striacally" opposite pinions as ormuons ss at opposite I sides-0f the sent-sot pinions. Theteeth' Oh' theflexible members labels the gears" against independent rotationduringthe inltiai m i of operation ofthe tool? so that. the II I' operate to;impart partialrotation tolthe .pinions I 5| as theye s sewiththepiuion'sr: ine-melt? a trained over thepull'ey's 82 forms a driveI the several spindles ll thei'ree or initial, 25

threading'in oi the nuts causingthe several spindles "i I to eachreceive a partial turn or rota.- j

- tion each-*time the gears llijmesh with orat'urn v to diametricallyoppositepinions; 'rmu tut belt "interconnects or form'sa'connectingdrive be- $0 I tween the spindles H andprovldes for therapid threadinso! several nuts 881; to hand tightness or v,tishter."when afnuta I! has been tightened down to hand-tightness or'tig'hter'it 'oii'e'rs men resistance to rotation of-the=spindle as llcarryingthesocket S I 'engagingv-it thatthe belt I} slips on the said pulley 021without tng. further rotation at the spindle." jAs described above,=thebolt It may be ltd regulate the tautnessroi the-belt l8 andtherebyqo' regulate or determine the degree oi' tightness to Y a whichthe nuts are turnedthrough the action oi the belt Cl and the degree 01'tightness at which a the. belt" slips on the pulleys 02." Asthebeltpartially tur'ns or tends to 'partiallyturn' all of.

the spindles ll each time the gears llpartially turntwo oi the pinionsII-the severalunuts ll H are soon tightened to hand tightness or tighterdepending upon the tautness oi-the belt ,"at

which time the belt tlcessestoi'unction: "rue I belt 01 thereaitermerely slips on the pulleys II 1 I The continued rotation of the drivingelement 1: successlvelyxbrinss its goals 1 it into -drivin r or turningengagement with; diametrically opposite pinlons'ilto successive y Parially threadin two 55 diametrically opposite nuts a. Thespring membersIO. are usually-orpreierably' adjusted-or set' by the nuts "so thatthe'engagement of their teeth I with the teeth :01 the gears ll oflers sub"-I stantial resistance to lndpendent'rotation ot the gears abouttheiraXesJ- Thus theigearsfll 'operate as tooth driving parts oith'eelement ll to partially turn the P11110118 I. and their-spindles H untilthe nuts 33 are tighteneddown to a substantial or selected degree oftightness; m 3

progressive successive partial r turning .oiftwo diametrically opposite-spindles t ll asf described above of courseresultsin progressiveand;suc-. cessive tightening of pairsoi diametrically opposite nuts} a."The nutt ss belngtightened down -1 1 I in this manner do not causestrainingg bindlngor.

"distortingofthe-parts being connected. T When a nut 33 hasbe'en turnedddwn to a'selected degree oitightness it 08ers such resistance torotation 01' the spindle "with which it iscon- -15 theengagementor thesockets 33 with the" nuts or nected that the torque imposed on thegear!!! meshing with'the pinion 53 on that spindle/overcomes thepressureand resiliencyjol the spring .-members 36 to flex the membersoutwardly and cause the gear to turn or ratchet past the teeth .63.- Theteeth oithe gear 55 turning or ratcheting pastthe teeth 33-produceaisound to audibly indicate to the operator that a nut 33 hasbeen tightened 'do'w'n'toits flnal position-r me us 33" are successivelyor independently tightened to, the selecteddegree 'oi tightness in thismanner, it being noted that the several nuts 33 are each 'in dependentlyfinally-tightened andthat the nuts are all tightened to the same degree'01 tightness. As described above, the setting 'or' adjustment .oi theflexible members 33 determinesithe degree of I tightness to which thenuts 33 are finally turned. When the operator notes" that the wrench nolonger. causes turning or rotation 01' anyoi the spindles II therotation o: the drive D is stopped and the wrench is removed from thework. I

The form c! power wrench illustrated in Figs.

5 to 8, inclusive, of the drawings includes,' ,gen-

' plates. Screws Il may attach the plates 13 and-13 to the shell 13. Thebody 13 constructed as dust erally, a body-1o, a plurality of chuck orsocket '25 'body 13, means 12 for adjusting the spindles- 1F and a driveI3 in thebody l3 ordriving or carryin spindles. 'II adjustably carried"by the ing the spindles".

I .The body 10 maybe'similar, g neranmwtne body I 3' describedabovecomprising two end plates '14 and I3 and an annularshell'lli arranged'between the outer, or peripheral-portions of, the

described .has a comparatively large internal particular caseillustrated there are five equally spaced housings orcups 3|vv arrangedin an an-A mum or circular series onthe inner side of the plate I5.Suitable handles-32 may project from I the body shell" at oppositesidesof the-"body.

The spindles II carry chucks or'sockets 33 'at their outer ends fOl'engaging nuts, bolts, studs or like securing members. In the simpleconstruction illustrated the sockets 33 are fixed to the spindles I- bypins 33 it being apparent-that the sockets 33 may be shiitable onthe'spindles in the same manneras the sockets-33. Thechucks'or sockets33 have polygonal sockets 33 in their outer ends for receiving nuts; theheads of bolts}.

screws or the like. The sockets 33. preferably engage the securingmembers withsome clearance or freedom otmovement so=that-. the socketsmay-be slightly angularly disposed relative to the securing members. Thespindles-H project from-- the ends of the cups: ll and are tiltable oradjust-' able relative to thecups. Collars 33 fixed on the spindles IIwithin the cups3I have. spherically curved parts 31 shiitably bearing incorrespondingly ,shapedopenings 33, in. the end; walls cr -z, I

- operating stem 33 may be spaced from *tbecen-j f ter otgthe renchwhere it does not interfere ,with. theccentering means i2. jTheatransmission orgdrive 13 is operable to; simultaneously rotate theseveral spindles 'IIto the cups 3|. The engagement of the .parts 3.1

in the 09 .88 l3 is such that the spindles ."|I have universal movementin the openmay tilt or The means IT'for' adjusting the spindles II is,such that the spindles may be simultaneously shifted-inwardly oroutwardly relative to the cen-,-,

tral longitudinal oi the wrench to facilitate Qdrivingelement I33i'n thebody opening .13, pin-H securingpatts, The adjusting means-I2 includes.a member 33 arranged against the outer surface "of the plate 13 andhaving a tubular part 3I- extending throughcentral openings 32 in theplates .fl'land J5. A nut 33:is threaded on the project- .ing outer endof the part, M to secure the member 93 to '(the body. The member 33 hasa'plu- .rality of spaced projectingarms 94.

portionsoi; the arms 34 are outwardly divergent while the outer endportions of the arms I extend laterally or radially outwardly as'showninFig. 5 of:the drawings. The arms 34- have-openings3,53rotatablygreceiv'ing orpassing the spindles 'II adjacentthe ends. oithe cups 3L; Thearms 34 are flexible and normally' tend to springoutwardlycthrough their resiliency-to tilt'the'-spindles "ll tooutwardlyflaring or divergentpositions'. I

Means is provided for contracting or moving the arms 94 inwardly.A'shittable stem 33 extends longitudinally through-athe=opehing 31 inthe part and carries a head 33 located between theilaring inward partsrot the "arms '34.. A

' handle .39 may be provided on the end porition' of the stem.projecting.- beyond the nut 33. ,A ring I33 surrounds the inner portionsof The inner the-arms, s4 and is connected with the head a by fingersI3I passing between the spaced arms 94.; When the stem 33-is pulled tomove ther'ing I33 toward; the .bodyplate' I3 the arms are allowedftospring outwardlyto move or tilt spindles 'II outwardly. When the stem 33is pushed inwardly to move the ring I33 away from the plate 'l i thering I33 contacts the flaring. inner portions of, thearms to spring orflex,

thearms-inwardly and thus-tilt the spindles II inwardly or toward the.centrallcngitudinal axis or the wrench.

.m e tratd in Figs. 51:0 8 0f the drawings the tool .or applicationoirgthe wrench illusis intended to tightennuts I33 threaded on the bolts134. of awheel-drum I33.y Thhub/I i ofthehwheel projects from thedrumtlos and surrounds the series of nuts I33. I thehub I33 is inclinedor'outw'ardly' convergent engage thersockets 33 with the nuts I33 the;

The wall'oi making .itgdimcultto engage'the nuts I33. To

stem is pushed inwardly so that:the'ring I33;

flexes the arms 33. inwardly to bring the spindles II to positions wherethe sockets :33 may be readily entered or passed into the hub m;- Ai'tfi verthe sockets" have been located in thehub [33 Y adjacentthe 'nutsI33 the'stem maybe pulled,

outwardly to permit the arms a torsprins-mit-i wardlyand'brihg thesockets 33 in positions to engage the nuts I33. If desired the wrenchshown, in Figs. 5 to 8, *inc1usive, of the 'drawingsmayb have a meansfor centeringor locatingthe similar: to theabove described means I2, i,In

the events. centeringor-positioningfmeans w 30 "lar to the I2, isprovided on-the I it may be mounted on the body "II thro shla'yoke}.'bracketJOrthe like s'o that it does not in- *terfere withthe-"spindle adjusting means jfl. just described. A spindle 'simi-'larcto-the: meansg'lljma'ybe provided onthe turn the nuts undadefiniteand equal decre of tightness. The drive I3 in'cludes'a. rotatablewrench-shownin I igs'. '1' to 4 in which ca'seflts;

ions I09 adapted to be: rotated-by'gthe element housings or cups" tohavemeshingengagement with theelement I". The pinions lil are providedwith shaitsorvtrunnions I I. rotatable in the openings of bosses IIIproleetingirom the body plate 14,; Oneoi the pinions Illconstitutes adriver for the element I. The trunnion: III of the driver pinion IlOfiselongated to'woiect throushits boss III and a polygonal socket H2receiving a polygonalpart III on 'aflexible drive III. It willberapparent' how rotational tation of thedriving element I08 andthuscauses simultaneous rotation of the several pinions' I09. I Theclutches Ciorm-operating or drivingfconnections between the pinions I"and :the spin-'- "lies 1i and are automatically andindependentlyreleasable when the nuts I have been turned to adesirabledegree. oi tightness. Each clutch c includes a clutch -plateorjdisc m attached to a pinion I. The discs II. have parts extendingthrough and rotatably. bearing in'openings III in the body plate IIwherebythe pinions III9 eachhavcrotatable on the two body plates," andIt: A complementary and opposing disc III cooperates with each-disc SIS.3i and are urged against the'discs IIlb'y springs 9 bearing against thecollars IL.- The clutch discs Iiii and II! have engaging or meshingparts J20 for transmitting rotation Thefengaging edges or sides of the.clutch parts III are in clined or pitched to slip one on the other whenthe clutches c are subjected to .suiilcient torque to overcome H9. V h 7Universal or slack connections are providedbetween the outer clutchdiscs III and the spindles etslifl'in the discs IIl.fPins li lcarriedmhythe discs 8 extend through transverse slots I24 111 the spindleextensions III are prei.'-

II. The connections may include extensions. III on the spindles IIIfreely or looselyciltting-sock erably .diametric with respect to -the'centers of curvature r "the parts s1, .The pins lmf have extensiveclearance in the slots IN and shiit'able airlally'oriionigitudinallyinthe income permit relativelongitudinalvmovementgbetween the spindles," and the clutch discs II k pIn the operation of the tor-mot wrenchshown in Fiss.* 5 totjoithedrawinss the wrenchis first broughtto aposition where-its 83 mayjibe] entered in the open outer; end to: the

hub M0,; The handle may be pushedinwardly ausing the cooperation 01th:ring Ill :with the I divergent inner portions oiythe arms .to} bend 1the arms inwardly and thus move'thespindles -V 'II inward1y..I'husthespind1 s'li maybebmught to positions where their sockets I! maybe passed into the outer open end or the outwardlycou- The wrench isthen moved to a sockets l3 adiacentthenuts verging hub I". position tobring the I whereupon the handle it may he pulled'outwardly allowing thearms '4 toilet outwardly and bring the sockets l3 topositionsf wherethey" may have turning engagements with the nuts I; Thesprings III mayyield to permitthe spindles ring ear rotat- V ably bearing on the' inner0! the shell-IQ. The-9111101151.. are arranged in thebody opening I. inaxial alignment with the The discs II! are arranged inthe; cups thepressureexerted by the springs which may initiallybe spaced varyingdistances from, the,- wrench: .po'wer means a "m mm d r h i v i ,m e imI with thepower-means to operate I Rotation or the drivefl-iil r'esultein oi the driving lement-mm r am; the. pinion's I l fl '5;are v rotated.The minus; I lmm vihq d m in clutching wentwith thefdlleaqfli so that.rotationoi' the. I ofli e R te n hem 1i 0! course causes-threading ortightening oi-the, w

nuts'IUIQ us nuts ii I! are.

maautilsenm ed- I down tol'the extenmm; it i sistance toirotationoifaspindle JI a v i a t ue n the clutch'oi'the' spin 'dle whichoverthedriver pinion Ileby the drive I causes room o comes thepressureo'ithespring III discji-ie of that clutch moves outwardly away:irom" the" disc III and the clutchparts lllz become disensaged. Itiisto be that the several degree to. which th nuts in are tightenedbeiere ythe release of the. clutches-C depends: upon the, pitcher slope oi theengaging sides at the clutch Pa mam n. ex t d ay-the springs III. Whenthe-operator observes'that the spindles II are no longer rotated thcpowermeans is stopped or the drive :I Ills disconnected I from thepowerw means the wrenehis Based irom the nuts Ill; l'bllowingthe'ldisene s isement oi thesocketsli iromthe nuts lll the operator maypush inwardly onrthehandle;

to cause the arms to be .ilexed inwardly and at, the same time may movethe wrench outwardly so that the-sockets be moved i'rom'the hubiil; w

Having described 1 and applications oi'my invention rao aet wish to be,limited or restricted to the details herein set viorth lbut wish to.reserve'fto ram-ii any variations or I to those skilled in theart-oriallwithin the wove v ofthe i'ollowingclalmsiz. Havingdescribed-my invention. ;I :claim:-

' 1. In axwrench:for:tightening;Aplisnalitjloi securing'niembers, apluralityiot dies operable to transmit roreceto said members-and atransmission operable by a single drive to rotatethe I to'tighten thesaid members to the I or tightness and no transmission-gm eludingpinionsassoeiatedzwiththe spindles and x a an element drive operable to.suecessivelycooperate bill-Q po'site pinions to partially'rotat'e the'2. a device for tighteningapluraiityj oi' I ed members, abodygrotatabiefspindles therbodnmm on fQroi-en j gem meme" w m t e the,bOdy'fOl' Wat g thethreade'dmembers, trlnsmiss'ionfinthe e" e e r ddesree qi gh n ss! HIM-417 I mission including a drivl seiement, a l 1,drive for continuously "totatinfthe element; a friction" drive normallymummy. operating the v spindlesiroln the body for rotating the turn themem tivelyiassociated with the spindles and rotated bythe element, andclutch means confined to the drive element for automaticallyinterrupting the 1 securing members, a body, a plurality of rotatabletransmission of rotation between the element and the individual spindlesas the individual members reach the desired degree of tightness.

, 3. In a wrench for tightening a plurality of spindles carried by thebody to project in a single direction therefrom and arranged in spacedparallel relation, means supporting the spindles for rotationaboutrelatively stationary axes, means on the spindles for engaging themembers to turn the same, pinions on the spindles, a drive shaft, and anelement rotated by the shaft and operable to successively cooperate withthe pinions to turn the spindles. I a r 4. In a wrench for tightening aplurality of securing members. a plurality of rotatable spin-' dles,means on the spindles for engaging the members to turn the same, pinionson the spindies, a drive shaft, an element rotated by the drive shaftoperable to successively engage the pinions to partially rotate theindividual spindles. and means interconnecting the spindles forsimultaneous partial rotation until the individual members offer aselected resistance to rotation of the spindles. v

5. In a wrench for tightening a plurality of securingmembers, aplurality of rotatable spindles, means on the spindles for engaging themembers to turn the same, pinions on the spindles, a drive shaft, anelement rotated by the drive shaft operable to successively engage thepinions to partially rotate the individual spindles, and meansinterconnecting the spindles for simultaneous partial rotation until theindividual ,members ofler a selected resistance to rotation of thespindles, the last named means including pulleys on the spindles, and abelt trained over the pulleys.

6. In a wrench for-tightening a plurality of securing members,aplurality of rotatable spindles, means on the spindles for engaging themembers to turn the same, pinions on the spindles, a drive shaft, anelement rotated bythe drive shaft operable to successively engage thepinions to partially rotate the individual spindles, and meansinterconnecting the spindles for simultaneous partial rotation until thindividual members offer a selected resistanc to rotation of thespindles, the last named means including pulleys on the spindles, a belttrained over the pulleys, and means for adjusting the belt to turn thespindles until the members offer a selected resistance to'turning.

'7. In a wrench for tightening a plurality of securing members, aplurality of rotatable spindles operable to transmit tightening forcesto said members, and a transmission operable by a single drive to,rotate the several spindles, the transmission including, pinions on thespindles,

a part rotated by the drive, a gear supportedby- I said part forrotation and adapted to successively mesh with the pinions, and meanspreventing independent rotation of the gear whereby the gear is operableto successively partially turn the pinions and releasable when theindividual members offer a predetermined resistance to rotation of theirpinions.

8. In a wrench for. tightening a plurality of securing members, aplurality of rotatable spindles operable to transmit tightening forcesto said inembers, and a transmission operable by a single drive torotate the several spindles; the transmisspindles until the members aresion including, pinions on the spindles, a part rotated by the drive,agear supported by said part for rotation and adapted to successivelymesh with the pinions, means preventing independent rotation of the gearwhereby the gear isoperable to successively partially turn the pinionsand releasable when the individual members offer a predeterminedresistance to rotation of their pinions, and means for adjusting thesaid means to release when the members offer different degrees ofresistance to rotation.

9. A wrench for tightening a plurality of threaded members including abody, a plurality of rotatable spindles carried by the body and op-.erable to transmit tightening forces to the members, an operativeinterconnection between he spindles for transmitting rotation betweenthe spindles and adapted to slip with'respect to the individual spindleswhen the individual members oifera definite degree of resistance toturning of the spindles, and means for successively imparting partialrotation to the spindles "and automatically de-clutched with respect tothe individual spindles when the members .offer a definltedegree ofresistance to'rotation.

10. A wrench for tightening a plurality of threaded members including abody, a plurality ,ofrotatable spindles carried by the body and op'-erable to transmit tightening forces to the members, and a compoundclutched transmission in the body-for simultaneously imparting partialrotation to the several spindles until the members are hand tight ortighter and then operable to successively impart partial rotation to thespindles until the members a" "ghtened to a segagement of the gearswiththe pinions causespartial rotation of the spindles, the releasablemeans being releasable when the members cite! a predetermined resistanceto rotation, pulleys fixed on the spindles, and a belt trained over thepulleys to form an interconnectionbetween the turned to a certain degreeof tightness.

12. A wrench for tightening a plurality of securing members including, aplurality of spindles operable to transmit turning forces to saidmembers, and a transmission for rotating the spindles including pinionson the spindles, a clutched driving element operable to successivelypartially rctate the pinions, and a drive between the several spindlesoperable to simultaneously transmit partial rotation to the spindleswhen a spindle is I partially rotated.

13. A wrench for tighteninga pluralityof se-l curing members including,a plurality of spindles operable to transmit turning forces to saidmembers, and a transmission for rotating the spindles including pinionson the spindles, a drive shaft, a driving element freely carried by theshaft and free to rotate and operable by the shaft to successivelypartially rotate the pinions and a clutch member secured to the shaft torotate therewith 7 0,0093 n V ment to,- the mindlel "the individnfl mmId to relembLv mate the drive element it rotates with the shaft.

g the desired on? 14. A wrench ior tightening l bl nlity of la.-connected 7 .fllclutcheddrifving element operable tatethg.nndboltdrinbetynenthgbpin 10 diesopenhieto' rotationto the m is j 16:"Awrench" to: a, I curing member: including n body. n pink rotntlbly;

